Top 5 Caves in India

Cave exploration is very popular in India. Almost all Indian states have majestic, mystical caves which lure visitors. The experience is a perfect combination of history, mystery, meditation, spirituality, and adventure.

Here, we have listed five major caves in India:

Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Perhaps the most famous caves in the country, Ajanta and Ellora are located in Northern Maharashtra. Ellora Caves comprise 34 caves in total and date back to the 6th and 11th centuries AD, while the older Ajanta Caves are a set of 29 different caves which date back to the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD. While all caves at Ajanta are Buddhists, the ones at Ellora are a blend of Buddhist, Hindu as well as Jain.

Elephanta Island Caves, Maharashtra

Just off the coast of Mumbai is the small island on which Elephanta Caves are situated. The origins of these seven ancient caves are still debated and the scholars. One of the main caves has several stunning, giant-sized sculpted panels. These panels depict the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. To reach these Island caves, visitors can take a ferry from the Gateway of India.

Tabo, Himachal Pradesh

Tabo is a haven for those who are seeking good meditation opportunities. The spiritually stimulating caves of Tabo offer the visitors a chance to meditate in peace.. The caves are situated in the Spiti Valley. The town is dotted by a number of caves that are frequented by Buddhist monks. There are many visitors here as annually as one can explore a lot of big and small caves here.

Undavalli Caves, Andhra Pradesh

The city of Vijaywada is home to the well-preserved 7th century Undavalli Cave temples. The quiet tranquility of Undavalli is unparalleled. There are many shrines dedicated to powerful Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma in these caves. The caves have been carved out of solid sandstone. The main cave is the earliest example of Gupta architecture. The walls of the caves have magnificent sculptures crafted by skilled craftsmen.

Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Tamil Nadu

The Ucchi Pillayar Temple of Trichy is one of the major attractions of South India. The temple was constructed hundreds of years ago by the Nayaks of Madurai. The temple stands atop a rocky outcrop and is 237 feet above the city. One gets a grand view from the top. In the temple complex, there are many amazing caves that are cut into the rocks but exploring all of them is not an easy task. Inside the caves, one can see numerous ancient sculptures.